Chapter 151

Chapter 151

Jin Niang wanted to return, but Jiang Xian was uneasy about her traveling alone: "You don’t know that last year, Bianjing suffered a great flood. Many grain shipments were transported from Luoyang to Bianjing, and the roads are now riddled with bandits."

"I still have to go back," Jin Niang said as if it were obvious.

But Jiang Xian stopped her: "Jin Niang, if you don’t return, the Prime Minister’s faction will see that despite our exile over political infighting, we still care for our younger generation. You don’t understand—those who battle it out in court may not necessarily have poor personal relations. If you rush back now, it might backfire."

Jin Niang suddenly realized, but her thoughts turned to another matter: "If our son is assigned to a provincial post, what about his marriage? I still have to go back."

"Wife, do you really think you can pick a satisfactory daughter-in-law in just two months? Clearly, you can’t. If you rush into picking someone who merely fakes it well, like my sister-in-law, think of the trouble you’ll face for the rest of your life. Let’s first send a letter to our in-laws, entrusting them to look after our son. Who wouldn’t want to do such a favor? If our son can stay in Bianjing, you can then select a good match for him either in Luoyang or Bianjing—wouldn’t that be a win-win?" If Jiang Xian had previously used tactics to bring his wife along, now he was genuinely considering their eldest son’s future.

When parents are in the capital, outsiders hesitate to interfere. But if the parents are absent, many would gladly step in to offer favors, hoping the child would remember their kindness while still young.

Jin Niang understood. Both she and Jiang Xian wrote letters to be sent to Bianjing.

Still, she insisted, "Once our son’s appointment is confirmed, I must return to see him."

Jiang Xian remained silent. In his heart, his wife’s safety came first.

Meanwhile, after Ning Geer passed the Metropolitan Exam, he soon received a letter from his father. He knew well that while he could emulate his mother in personal conduct, in official matters, he should heed his father’s advice. Though outsiders criticized his father’s integrity as an official, since his birth, their family had done nothing but climb.

After reading the letter, he sent a message to the Wei family.

He had initially felt awkward about visiting, as he had passed the exam while his brother-in-law, Wei Qilang, had not. This outcome was unexpected—he had planned to travel to Luoyang after failing the exam, to experience the ancient capital’s charm and rub shoulders with the big shots while reuniting with his parents. Now, it seemed he would soon be appointed after the Palace Exam.

In contrast, his brother-in-law and sister had been married for three years. Wei Qilang had finally buckled down to study, though he was still young at twenty-one. Yet his drive to succeed had led to disappointment.

Funny enough, Ning Geer had often spoken of going to Luoyang, while Wei Qilang had instead advised him on governance.

Little did he know, Wei Qilang felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing of his brother-in-law’s visit but still informed Yun Jieer and went out to meet him. Yun Jieer understood her husband’s discomfort—it wasn’t directed at her brother but came from his own frustration at being outperformed by someone younger.

Yet such emotions could only be soothed by herself; no one else could help. It was just like in the past, when her uncle Wei Yang and Hao Erlang had taken the exams—her uncle passed, while Hao Erlang, the son of an official, failed.

Years later, Hao Erlang finally passed in the current examination, albeit barely, but at least he succeeded, becoming a classmate with her brother.

Ning Geer got to meet Chancellor Wei, delivered the letter, and then joined Wei Qilang for a conversation at Qixia Courtyard.

"You never come by—your sister misses you," Wei Qilang said, having now calmed himself.

Ning Geer smiled. "Isn’t that why I’m here? My parents made it clear I couldn't go anywhere after the exams, worried something might happen."

Wei Qilang nodded in agreement. "That’s wise. After the announcement at Donghua Gate, your sister and I will go to Jinliang Bridge to set things up for you. No sweat."

After exchanging a few more words, Ning Geer rose. "I should head out now."

"I’ll escort you on the day of the Palace Exam," Wei Qilang said, tilting his chin up like always.

Ning Geer replied, "Grandfather said he’d take me."

"He was capable in his youth, but now the streets are a mess with carts flying everywhere. I’ll take you," Wei Qilang said, patting his shoulder.

Ning Geer was touched.

When he returned home, his uncle Wei Yang was there, getting an earful from their grandmother. Watching the scene, Ning Geer realized he’d always thought his grandmother favored his mother. But now, it was clear she cared more for her son.

His mother had to work hard to earn their grandparents’ affection, while his uncle needed to do nothing—not even visit often—yet their grandparents still put him first no matter what.

His own parents treated his sister and brothers equally. Even now, as he faced the Metropolitan and Palace Exams alone in Bianjing, his mother was dying to come back, but his father had given precise advice—entrusting his future to the Wei family, allowing them to do him a solid. That was far more fitting than his mother’s return.

In short, seeing things from their perspective, it's no wonder he remembered once when his mother said to his grandmother, "You always bring up Yang Geer first. When I mention what you said, you get angry and scold me instead."

Actually, many things he recalled only made sense to him now, which is why his mother and father were truly the best for their own small family.

It seems there are always such unspeakably complex emotions among relatives. But no matter what, his grandparents were always available when he needed them, and his uncle also showed him considerable care.

Coming back to the present, Ning Geer saw Wei Yang walking toward him, looking somewhat dejected himself.

"Uncle, what's wrong? You don't seem to be in good spirits," Ning Geer asked.

Wei Yang waved his hand. "It's nothing."

Ning Geer figured it was probably something related to officialdom. His uncle had been working in the Ministry of Works all this time. He was actually quite easy to get along with, with a rather amiable temperament, but when it came to striving and making progress, he was not particularly ambitious.

In the past, his father was willing to use his connections for his uncle. Now that he was about to take the palace examination, his parents would likely use all their connections to pushing him forward. There was still a difference here. His uncle's marriage had been arranged hastily, while his parents wouldn't compromise on his own marriage. Thinking this way, he felt relieved—people naturally play favorites.

Just like his mother—if she spent all her time caught up with her natal family, she would never find true happiness for herself.

Although Wei Yang had been away from the imperial examinations for many years, he had studied at the Imperial Academy and still had some expertise. Tutoring his nephew a few pointers was more than enough. His grandmother then insisted on his uncle staying for a meal, but Wei Yang said, "No need for me, I’ll head back now."

After he left, he didn’t mention escorting Ning Geer to the palace examination. It was Luo Yue, who was better with social graces, who reminded Wei Yang, and only then did he remember.

"No need to trouble yourself, Uncle. My brother-in-law said he’d come."

Wei Yang was embarrassed—he genuinely hadn’t thought of these things. Before marriage, many matters were handled by his mother and sister. Now that he was married, his wife took care of everything.

With that, everyone went their separate ways.

Ning Geer went to the study. He missed his parents dearly, but his father was right. If his mother traveled back alone by land and was robbed, it wouldn't be worth the risk. If he could stay in Bianjing this time, reuniting with his parents would only be a matter of time.

Before Ning Geer’s palace examination results were announced, Jiang Xian fell off his horse once. Jin Niang had always considered her husband her lucky charm, but now that even he had had an accident, she had to keep her cool and call for a physician.

She personally prepared his medicine and also had to tend to his mood.

"The physician said your spine wasn’t injured. Rest well for half a month, just lie like this. I’ll give you medicine twice a day, make some bone broth, and prepare shrimp—you’ll recover quickly," Jin Niang said with a smile.

For the first three days Jiang Xian was bedridden, he could barely even sit up. During this time, Jin Niang became his only comfort.

"I’ve checked the prescription for this medicine—it’s all for pain relief. I copied it down for you to see." Jin Niang knew Jiang Xian usually feared retaliation, so apart from the food she prepared, he hardly ate anything from outsiders.

Being somewhat knowledgeable about medicine, he examined it and then drank it all in one go.

After he finished the medicine, Jin Niang sat beside him doing needlework, like a guardian angel.

"My dear, will you be going out later?" Jiang Xian asked, looking at her.

Jin Niang smiled. "Yes, I’ll fetch a few books from the study and prepare some silk threads. You rest well—I won’t be going anywhere else."

"That's reassuring. You know, when I was little, every time I skipped school, I’d claim I wasn’t feeling well. Luckily, my mother covered for me, so I could brazenly sleep at home all day," Jiang Xian joked.

Jin Niang chuckled at this.

At noon, she first fed him bone soup, then some rice, before resting on the couch beside him.

"If you need to use the chamber pot later, I’ll call Hu Tou and Liu Douer in. Just let me know first," Jin Niang said.

Jiang Xian nodded slightly.

Fortunately, Jiang Xian was trained in martial arts and had been kept healthy by Jin Niang’s care. Both of them used to suffer from back pain, but after Jin Niang frequently applied hot salt poultices and encouraged walks, they'd gotten better.

Now this has happened again!

When Jin Niang woke from her nap, she comforted him, saying, "As the saying goes, 'After extreme bad luck comes good fortune.' Who knows? Another stroke of luck might be heading our way."

The couple chatted for an hour before Jiang Xian finally brightened up and said, "It must be that our Ning Geer passed the exam while Xuan Geer did not, and Eldest Sister-in-law is furious."

"Don't be so proud. If you ask me, it's your official position that's going to advance further," Jin Niang said with a laugh.

After enduring half a month like this, Jiang Xian could finally stand and walk again. He took a sedan chair to the government office every day for work. A month later, aside from occasional soreness, he was back to normal and even resumed riding horses daily.

Jin Niang breathed a sigh of relief.

News from Ning Geer soon arrived—he had ranked seventeenth in the second tier of the palace examination, reportedly performing beyond expectations. He was awarded the title of Jiangshilang and appointed as Judge in the Western Capital’s administrative office.

"So our son is coming to Luoyang!" Jin Niang thought to herself how considerate her so-called brother had been.

The Song Dynasty’s recusal system mainly included recusal based on kinship and recusal based on place of origin or familial assets. This meant that as long as father and son did not serve in their native place or in the same government office, it was permissible.

Jiang Xian was also delighted. "Of course! I’ll first notify the Henan Prefecture government office to prepare the official residence. You, meanwhile, can slowly pick a daughter-in-law."

"Having our whole family together is better than anything else," Jin Niang said. This was what Jin Niang wanted most of all.

Jiang Xian felt the same. In the past, he was the only one in the family serving as an official away from home, with almost no freedom to act as he pleased. Now that their son had also entered officialdom, he could finally rely on family in his lifetime.

While the couple was busy with these matters, the capital was abuzz.

After Ning Geer passed the palace examination, the happiest was undoubtedly Yun Jieer, who had been waiting for the results. From a sister’s perspective, she was thrilled for her brother—and from a practical standpoint, her brother becoming a jinshi meant a reliable maternal family (literally "mother’s household," implying familial support).

Her brother was only seventeen. Even after thirty years in office, he wouldn’t be fifty. Their father, not yet forty, still had twenty or thirty years of official service ahead. With the family thriving, her life in her husband’s household would be much better.

However, this also brought many troubles. Matchmakers practically wore a path to their door, and some even scuffled over the chance.

Someone like Ning Geer—the eldest legitimate son of a current third-rank official, young, handsome, and now a jinshi—instantly became a hot commodity on the marriage market in many eyes. Most importantly, he was still unbetrothed.

Yun Jieer informed her mother-in-law that she needed to return home to help.

Madam Wei smiled and said, "Go ahead. Your mother and the others really should have settled this earlier. But it’s good that you’ll all be together in Luoyang now."

Though Yun Jieer felt displeased inwardly, she maintained a smile on her face.

Her mother had been strict with her brother, which was why he became a jinshi at seventeen. Why couldn’t her husband ever study diligently? It was all because her mother-in-law spoiled him too much.

If her mother were still in the capital, she could have confided in her. Now, she could only suppress her feelings. After bidding farewell, she left.

At the main gate, she ran into Shen Qiniang, who was looking more and more isolated. Yun Jieer felt a pang of sympathy for her. Unliked by the second madam, the first madam was also indifferent to her, leaving her with no one to talk to in this household.

But Yun Jieer thought, why borrow trouble? Shaking her head, she called for her carriage and headed to Jinliang Bridge.

As soon as she arrived at her maternal home, she saw Madam Meng from across the street approaching, followed by Eldest Miss Sun. She knew that Madam Meng’s eldest son had already been assigned to a post outside the capital, with Lin Shi accompanying him. Meng Erlang’s wife was often ill, leaving Eldest Miss Sun to frequently attend to matters, quick to read the room.

"Seventh Lady is back! Your household must be in a flurry now. I’ve come to help too," Madam Meng said with a smile.

Yun Jieer warmly replied, "My mother often said while in Luoyang that 'a near neighbor is better than a distant relative.' She had such a good relationship with you. Now that my brother is about to leave for Luoyang, we’ll rely on your care during the 'Qiji' period (post-examination festivities)."

Listening to their conversation, Eldest Miss Sun recalled how her mother had once focused solely on pushing her and her sister in their studies while deliberately dividing her attention for her brother. In truth, the one who needed the most encouragement in a family was the son’s education. Look at Jiang Yun—even after her father left for Luoyang, her brother became a jinshi, and the Wei family had to treat her with greater respect.

If her own brother had also become a jinshi, things would surely be different now.

But no matter. Now that her son was starting his education, she could pour her efforts into her son’s studies instead.

While they were still thinking, word came that Jiang Xian, the Fiscal Commissioner, had arrived. Everyone knew it was Jiang Yan and his wife coming.

When Yun Jieer saw Xu Shi, she thought she had gained a bit more weight. This aunt was something else—claiming to fast all day yet growing plumper, her face so taut without a single wrinkle.

"Yun Jieer, how are your brother’s marriage arrangements?" Xu Shi asked.

Yun Jieer smiled. "How could I have any say in that? Once he goes to Luoyang, my mother will take care of it."

Xu Shi snorted inwardly. Her own son hadn’t even passed the imperial exams yet, while that merchant’s daughter’s son had such luck, already succeeding in the exams. Some of the Jiang family’s fair-weather relatives had even come to join the celebration.

Fortunately, her son was preparing for an official post through family connections, which somewhat eased her mind.

After Jiang Yan and his wife left, Wei Qilang came to see his wife. He said, "Ning Geer is reading the books his father-in-law left from his time as a Circuit Judge in the provinces. He’s incredibly nervous."

"Of course he is. Going from a studying youth to suddenly becoming a Judge in the Western Capital (Luoyang)—it’d be strange if he weren’t nervous," Yun Jieer could understand her brother’s feelings.

Wei Qilang suddenly had a sudden idea. "Wouldn’t it be great if we could go to Luoyang too? Ning Geer seems determined to make his mark there."

Yun Jieer glanced at her husband. "We could go, but only if your parents agree."

"I was just saying," Wei Qilang chuckled.

As a child, he had poor health and stayed in Daming Prefecture before moving to the capital. Luoyang was his maternal grandparents’ home, almost like a second hometown to him.

Yun Jieer shook her head. "Let’s arrange the meals first. You go host in the second hall. We’ll manage today and figure things out later."

"Alright," Wei Qilang hurried off to the second hall.

Just as the meal was nearly ready, her maternal uncle and aunt arrived. Yun Jieer quickly greeted them, "I was just wondering why you and Uncle hadn’t come yet."

Zhang Pingjun said, "You and your husband should head back first later. Your uncle and I will handle things here. We visited your uncle’s superior this morning and were busy for quite a while."

"No need—my mother-in-law insisted I stay," Yun Jieer replied casually.

Her parents had written to her father-in-law for her brother’s sake, but her uncle had to make his own appeals. Though the Wei family had formally recognized kinship with the Hebei Weis, and her mother had often brought her aunt and uncle to visit before.

Zhang Pingjun was anxious. With the new Prime Minister in office, even if her husband had some talent in the Ministry of Works, factional patronage dictated appointments. Even Ning Geer, as Jiang Yan’s nephew and Wei Yang’s nephew, was directly assigned as a Judge in the Western Capital. They still had to seek connections.

They had tried through Yun Jieer, but she claimed she had no influence and told Wei Yang to visit in person. When Wei Yang did, Master Wei met him but said his current position in the Ministry of Works suited him just fine.

Who wouldn’t want their husband to advance? Wei Yang didn’t mind being a seventh-grade official, but staying stagnant was unacceptable.

Having connections yet being unable to use them...

Yun Jieer was unaware of this, but Wei Qilang had heard. On their way home in the carriage that evening, he told his wife, "My father mentioned your uncle’s situation. He’s an honest man—getting involved in factional struggles would do him no good. Staying steady in his work is actually better for him."

Not everyone was cut out for high office. Forcing advancement without the ability was a curse, not a blessing.

Yun Jieer waved it off. "My uncle is satisfied with his lot, but my aunt always feels the relatives won’t help. Still, as my mother says, *'Teachers open the door, but you must walk through it yourself.'* In the end, it’s up to the individual."

When Jiang Xian was transferred as Fiscal Commissioner, families like the Lius, Fans, and even Weis didn’t speak up. Her parents could help her brother at the start of his career, but his future promotions would depend on his own abilities.

Her uncle had started his career in wealthy Xuanzhou and was recalled to the capital after two years. But one couldn’t expect others to always be responsible for their advancement.

...

After the Cold Food Festival (a traditional observance), Jin Niang went out to view the blossoms three times. Once, she was invited to the garden of the local official’s Liu family, where she naturally met several of the Liu daughters.

Liu Wensou, patriarch of the Liu family, along with his sons Liu Bing and Liu Ye, had all earned jinshi degrees. Yet after generations, the family no longer held prominent positions.

For Jin Niang, this was just a larger-scale version of Zhang Pingjun—she wouldn’t consider the Liu family. Such families might be wealthy and well-off, but with no officials in the family for generations, they’d be out of touch with both officialdom and their own standing. Moreover, the Jiang family wasn’t short of money now.

The Zhang family of Luoyang, however, was quite good and very enthusiastic about Jiang Xian’s posting in Luoyang. Upon learning that Jin Niang’s son had just passed the imperial examination, they even said Jin Niang could pick any of their three daughters.

This left Jin Niang flattered, but she couldn’t lock in the Zhangs just because of their enthusiasm. Naturally, she made excuses, saying her son hadn’t arrived yet and so on.

Apart from the Zhangs of Luoyang, there was also the elite Fan clan from the Central Plains. This Fan family had no relation to Madam Wei’s eldest daughter-in-law, Fan Shi, but the Fan family seemed quite respectable.

Jin Niang had already formed an idea in her mind—what kind of wife she wanted for her son. The girl’s family should at least be unencumbered, with diligent and promising sons, good family values, and the girl herself should be comely and well-mannered.

“Will our son arrive after the Dragon Boat Festival?” Jiang Xian asked.

Jin Niang nodded. “That’s what was said. Have you found the right people for him?”

Taking up the post of Judge right after appointment required a skilled legal advisor by his side. Back then, Jiang Xian himself had Legal Advisor Song.

Jiang Xian smiled. “Don’t worry, the team’s all set.”

“That’s good. Once he takes office, we can rest easy.” Jin Niang said.

The couple went over their plans once more. Jin Niang had already begun slowly putting together betrothal gifts for her son. No matter whom they chose, the gifts had to be impressive.

A few evenings later, as Jin Niang was counting the days, she suddenly heard excited shouts from outside: “Ma’am, the young master’s arrived! The young master’s arrived!”

Seeing Ning Geer again after just half a year, he’d thinned out quite a bit. Wearing a robe Jin Niang had made for him, he knelt and kowtowed as soon as he saw her.

“Oh, child, since when do mother and son stand on ceremony? I’ve been sick with guilt for not returning during your Metropolitan Exam.” Jin Niang couldn’t help but tear up.

Ning Geer said, “I don’t blame you at all, Mother. If not for that, I wouldn’t have been assigned to Luoyang for my post.”

Jin Niang had him sit down and ordered tea. Then she brought up his marriage: “I can’t decide everything for you. Here are a few families for you to consider…”

Parting sorrows were trivial. Now that her son had taken office in Luoyang and his career was set, all that remained was settling his marriage.

Sure enough, after hearing her out, Ning Geer said, “I won’t be shy in front of you, Mother. The Zhang, Fan, and Lü families are all well-known official families—I think any would do. Appearance is secondary; the main thing is whether there are health issues they’re hiding. The girl shouldn’t be overly pushy, just upright in character. If none of these three families have such a girl, we can choose from lesser families—as long as the person is good.”

Ning Geer wasn’t completely ignorant of the world. The Jiang girl next door had married into the Ke family, but it turned out she had a hidden ailment that wasn’t disclosed. Later, they divorced, and the two families ended up in an ugly falling-out. He had also heard of women whose ambition was good but who, disregarding reality, pursued power and wealth excessively—such tendencies could harm both themselves and others in the future.

Jiang Xian, standing outside the door ready to enter, couldn’t help but think to himself that his son indeed had a good head on his shoulders. Unlike the Dou family’s eldest son, who had eloped, nor was he overly ambitious. Only with such prudence could one go far.